We love the vivid descriptives given to some of native breeds by the Chinese. Who can’t conjure in their mind’s eye a dog with a “hippopotamus head,” “toad mouth,” “Warrior Scowl,” “calabash-shaped head,” or “roof tile mouth?” (all Shar-Pei terms).

Some sources opine that there’s been a loss of size in the Shar-Pei since 1949. Furthermore, it suggests that the Cantonese still prefer the larger size dog which they call, “High Head Big Horse.” A document we came across, Shar Pei Standard FCI N 309 (25.01.94) repeats this term: “If a dog is not well up to this size and weight, it should not be heavily penalized. It must be understood that the traditional Shar Pei has lost it’s size since 1949. The Cantonese prefer the larger size dog, which they call “High Head Big Horse.” The size therefore should reach 23 inches at withers and bitches slightly smaller. Over 23 inches is not desirable in fear of cross-breeding.”  We’d love the feedback of Shar-Pei owners on this.

“Mischief” by Gillian Singleton; Find this print and support this artist here